As the last days of 2012 draw to a close, I'm going to be posting a series of stories about people who are finding innovative solutions to environmental problems. These folks are thinking outside the box, taking risks and trying to make the world around them greener in new and unusual ways.

Yesterday, specialty seed growers filed suit against the state of Oregon for allowing the planting of canola on 1.7 million acres of ag land in the Willamette Valley. As the Statesman-Journal reports, farmers are worried about the potential of genetically modified canola cross-pollinating with valuable crops like broccoli or rutabaga.

Wastewater treatment plants that generate energy are not new. In Oregon, there are at least 24 sewage treatment plants that generate electricity by burning methane, a product of sludge-digesting bacteria.

Thought you might enjoy this video (more enjoyable without the music, I'd say) of the 'human-electric' HumanCar, designed by engineer Charles Samuel Greenwood. Greenwood's company Imagine PS of Eugene plans to start producing the cars next year. As you'll see, a human-operated lever system propels the car up to 60 miles an hour (30 mph uphill). A modern-day Flintstones car? ...

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About Ecotrope

In the Pacific Northwest, the environment is personal - it's where we live, work and play. Oregon Public Broadcasting's Ecotrope will bring you news and insight on the region’s environmental issues. Site curator Cassandra Profita is an award-winning reporter with degrees in journalism and environmental studies.